Data Center Cluster Operations Leader, AMER North East DC Ops

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Infrastructure Operations is growing rapidly, with new data center facilities coming online to support expanding machine learning and core cloud computing workloads. We are looking for a Cluster Operations Leader to help us keep pace with that growth by leading the teams responsible for the safety, security, availability, scaling, efficiency, and cost management of Amazon data center clusters and colocation operations within an assigned region.

Infrastructure Operations consists of two core functions: Data Center Operations (DCO) and Data Center Engineering Operations (DCEO). DCO manages server-level platforms supporting Amazon Retail and AWS, while DCEO handles mechanical, electrical, and controls systems for critical environments. A physical security team also works closely with these functions to protect people, assets, and customer data. As Cluster Operations Leader, you will build and lead high-performing teams across both functions, combining strategic oversight with hands-on technical problem-solving to deliver reliable, efficient infrastructure at scale. You will also explore the analytical use of AI agents to increase operational productivity and accelerate capacity delivery for business priorities. This role gives you direct exposure to the latest data center infrastructure and cloud technologies while you manage large-scale operations teams — a combination that positions you for continued growth within AWS.

Key job responsibilities

• Build, hire, and develop operations managers and their teams across compute and engineering operations, ensuring the right talent and team structure to support facility growth
• Design and execute the operational strategy for new data center and colocation expansions, including preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and change management programs
• Lead incident response for safety, security, and availability events, driving root-cause analysis and long-term corrective actions
• Identify and implement process improvements, including the analytical use of AI agents, to increase operational productivity and reduce costs
• Partner with engineering, supply chain, and capacity planning teams to align infrastructure delivery with machine learning and core cloud computing demand

A day in the life

You will split your time between strategic planning sessions with your peer managers in engineering and capacity planning, and operational reviews with your direct reports who run day-to-day compute and engineering operations. Mornings may involve reviewing incident reports and maintenance metrics with your DCEO and DCO leads, while afternoons shift to working with cross-regional partners on expansion timelines or evaluating AI-driven productivity tools with your team. When an availability event occurs, you step in to coordinate the response and ensure rapid resolution.

About the team

Our Infrastructure Operations team keeps AWS running by owning the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment inside every AWS data center. We are in a period of significant facility growth driven by increasing demand for machine learning and core cloud computing capacity, and this role is central to making sure that growth translates into reliable, efficient operations for our customers. We are a collaborative group of engineers, operations managers, and technical specialists who take pride in solving hard problems together and continuously raising the bar on operational performance. You will gain hands-on experience with emerging infrastructure and cloud technologies as the team scales, building expertise that grows alongside the business.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, engineering or a related technical field
• 10+ years of relevant management experience in Data Centers operations, facility engineering operations, information technology critical environment facilities, advanced high-volume manufacturing, datacenter buildouts and scaling, or similar experience
• Experience in management of datacenter operations, facility engineering operations, information technology critical environment facilities, advanced high volume manufacturing, datacenter build-outs and scaling, or similar fields
• Demonstrated track record in delivering complex analytical and quantitative projects through verbal and written communication.
• Proven ability to hire, develop and manage high-performing geographically distributed technical teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma methodologies
• Knowledge of information technology infrastructure domains such as compute server platforms, storage server platforms, server components, network devices, technologies and architectures, IT service delivery principles and best practices
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems for critical infrastructures

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, MD, Frederick - 182,300.00 - 272,500.00 USD annually